[Drama 2016] Descendants of the Sun 태양의 후예

[Chellsee]

Why aunties love Descendants Of The Sun

My friend S is in love.

For the past few weeks, she has been heading for a rendezvous on some mornings after her kids and husband are safely out of the way, in school or at work.

Her date? An army officer with boyish good looks and a winsome smile.

I'm talking, of course, about Special Forces Captain Yoo Si Jin, played by a magnetic Song Joong Ki, in the South Korean television drama Descendants Of The Sun.

"My heart really fluttered," S said as she re-enacted one of her favourite scenes in which our hero yanks out his earpiece, defying his superior who is barking orders from the command centre, so as to protect his doctor love interest from a posse of gun-wielding bodyguards.

S had gone on a viewing binge for several days in a row until she was up to speed with the 16-part hit, which has drawn more than two billion views in China for the latest episodes on online video platform iQiyi.

"We are all hoping Captain Yoo won't die," she sighed.

By the time you read this, S and her friends, who set up a Whatsapp chat group devoted to the show, would have learnt of his fate. The finale aired last Thursday in South Korea and a day later here via Viu, a free streaming service and app.

One of them even planned a viewing party last Friday to catch the last episode with her girlfriends, much like what men do during crucial World Cup matches with their pals.

These women, mostly mums, are not the only ajumma - a Korean term for older married women - smitten by Captain Yoo and the military romance set largely in a fictional war-torn country called Uruk.

K, another friend, survived on two hours of sleep for two days as she devoured episode after episode.

She didn't think the fair Song with his spare frame was much of a macho leading man, going by the publicity stills. But, oh, you have to watch him in action, the mother of one urged.

And so I did, just to find out what the hype was all about (this is the excuse I'm sticking to).

Five days and 14 episodes later, I think I have the answer.

The story moves at a fast clip and crams enough real-world conflicts and concerns - terrorism, diplomatic tensions, an earthquake, a potential viral outbreak - to make for compelling watching.

Nearly all the actors acquit themselves well and charm with their chemistry.

But it is, of course, the romantic story arc involving the main leads that has enchanted a whole brigade of women in or on the cusp of middle age.

We girls have always been suckers for a good love story that makes us smile, tear and cheer for the protagonists.

And after more than a few relationships under our (expanding) belt, we figure we are a good judge of which one is worth fighting for and will go the distance.

This one is sweet, chaste and funny all at once, minus weepy cliches such as a terminal disease and gratuitous make-out scenes that - tsk, tsk - debase a fledgling relationship.

The Asian cast and values render Descendants far more relatable and, perhaps, palatable than the usual Hollywood fare.

And then, of course, there is the smart, steely yet sensitive Mr Right that women fantasise about, a welcome diversion from whiny kids and/or a plateauing career.

Captain Yoo, who pulls off deadly secret missions and tender loving moves with equal aplomb, is the archetypal dashing hero who finds time in between to slip in flirty, funny one-liners.

But above all else, age might be the clincher here for us ajumma.

At 30, actor Song is old enough to make a middle-aged crush seem less icky. It also helps that his doe-eyed co-star Song Hye Kyo, who plays surgeon Kang Mo Yeon whom he falls for instantly, is four years older.

Personally, he looks a tad too young and clean-cut for my liking. But their connection is plausible and endearing enough for me to suspend all disbelief and forgive a plot that milks the damsel-in- distress trope bone dry.

Our plucky captain snatches the pretty doctor from the jaws of death time and again - a car hanging off a cliff, a field riddled with landmines and a bomb vest strapped on her by a nefarious gang. Seriously, just how many obstacles can the heavens hurl at the poor couple?

Still, the prospect of a happily-ever-after in the arms of a strong, true and honourable man makes us swoon and the memories it stirs up of being so drunk on love once upon a time make us sigh.

Now ensconced in a stable domestic set-up in our 40s (give and take a few years), with kids in tow, we might be too old to hope for a fairy-tale romance, but are still young enough to dream the impossible.

I might be going through a mid-life crisis, S said with a laugh.

We are thankful for what we have, but perhaps wistful, too, for what could have been now that we are finally old enough to know what we want. Our salad days are over, our looks and dreams fading faster than we would like.

And so we lap up a love story like Descendants that is both enduring and exciting, living vicariously through Dr Kang as she is alternately romanced and rescued by Captain Yoo.

And then we hope that another sweet love story that ticks all the right boxes comes along soon, so we can once again escape our secure if staid lives and safely relive the thrill of those younger, heady days.

http://news.asiaone.com/news/showbiz/why-aunties-love-descendants-sun

***** Worth sharing... thoughts from an older's/ajumma's point of view.

[kristy86]

10 hours ago, SkyKid said:

Not sure if it'll answer your question, but I and my bf started our relationship as friend, and 8 years has passed we still call each other the same way when we're friend. It literally become the nickname we call each other. You can see even if Captain Yoo has been promoted to a Major, when they're back to the shipwreck she still calls him Captain Yoo. Aside from that, the I - You between has changed, no more 저 but 나, which is informal language. So I think it's become the nickname for them, like she called him BigBoss and he called her Beauty sometimes, she even saved his name as BigBoss on her phone.

If any chance in the epilogue they had married, they might call each other different, like "hubby or wifey", ah, can't wait for next 3 special eps

I think I also heard MY said: "tangshin" several times while talking to SJ, if I am not mistaken during the scene where she said she will not object his job. I think it's mean "you" in Banmal? And she often drop the honorific too like saying "yaahhh" and "chakaman" without -yo.

What am I talking about, I don't even understand Korean. When they speak and I don't understand what the heck they are talking about, I be like... 

cr: foodie27 

Argus, that's the only thing I learn from you, take Korean class as soon as possible. 

I miss DOTS... 

[missandrea]

 

BTS of DOTS, military guys fanboying on Red Velvet. LOL.

Looks like they are enjoying it a whole lot! Hahah!

CTTO

 

[SkyKid]

guys, SNL strikes again, ROFL  

 

[WeunXK]

Spoiler

 

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SNL KOREA - Descendants of the Sun | DRAMA VS REALITY | PART 2 | ENG SUB

c as tagged

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[Photos] Song Joong-ki's fan meeting, 'Shines on his own'

2016/04/17

Song Joong-ki took off the uniform and had a fan meeting.

The fan meeting was held on the 17th of April with 4,000 or so fans. Thanks to much support, the event took 30 minutes longer than planned.

Those who were at the fan meeting sent News N pictures they took of Song Joong-ki. He looks handsome and the excitement can be seen through the pictures. Song Joong-ki is wearing a beige coat with a white T-shirt and jeans. His hair is just like Yoo Si-jin from "Descendants of the Sun".

Later, he changed into a pink shirt and became the 'boyfriend' type. The casual look on him was new as he had always been wearing uniform in the drama.

Meanwhile, 4,000 domestic and foreign fans gathered for the fan meeting. Song's friend Lee Gwang-soo and singer Gummy who sang the OST for the drama appeared as guests. Song Joong-ki's fan meeting will continue on to Thailand, China, Taiwan and other parts of Asia.

http://www.hancinema.net/photos-song-joong-ki-s-fan-meeting--shines-on-his-own--93573.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

==================

[HanCinema's Exclusive Interview] Jasper Cho + Signed Photo Giveaway

2016/04/16

Hello HanCinema fans! I am so pleased to bring you our interview with Jasper Cho, the talented young actor who just finished an amazing run as Dr. Daniel Spencer in the hottest drama of the year, "Descendants of the Sun". Thank you to all of you who asked questions. Please read on to find out which two lucky fans had their questions answered by Jasper and to see what he had to say about working on "Descendants of the Sun", how he broke into the industry, and much, much more!

Spoiler

HanCinema: How did you first get into performing? Was it through music? You are active on Youtube and you participated in "Superstar K". Did that help you break into the Korean entertainment market?

Jasper: I've always been doing music as a hobby. Clips on internet are those with my past band members. "Superstar K", completely out of the blue, reached me via Youtube message that year. And I thought it could be a good experience, though I had never thought I'd be a professional singer, and I still not. It was a good experience amongst all those extremely talented guys. Breaking into the acting industry was a completely different story.

HC: Because you are so multi-talented, where do you see your career taking you? Thus far, it has brought you from Canada to Korea, which is quite a long ways to go! 

J: Moving from Canada to Korea certainly was a long way. I've always been a globe-trotter, in some sense. I still think this is a great way to live life to the max, if you can. Career-wise, I'd love to do anything that can express my ideas in creative ways. That includes advertising and acting, of course. But there's only so much you can do on a daily basis. I will do what I can, what's given, right in front of me.

HC: How did you land the role of Daniel on "Descendants of the Sun"?

J: The assistant director and director of "Descendants of the Sun" messaged me on my social media completely out of the blue. I was suspicious of this. Who reaches actor for casting via social media, you know! But back then I didn't have an agent, so they found me so. They probably have seen me on TV in the past or someone recommended me. They thought I could be a good fit for the role. Whichever was the reason, I was very very grateful, and went to see them for audition several times. They went radio silence for a few weeks at times, and towards the end of the casting stage, they let me know. They chose me. Very grateful to them.

HC: What is your favorite scene of yours in "Descendants of the Sun"? 

J: Probably the first scene in episode 5 where I come back to Ye-hwa at home after a long trip. And the scene where I meet up with Mo-yeon for the first time in the garage. These are my favorite scenes and at the same time I did bad. Should've done better. A lot better. (sigh).

HC: What has been your most challenging scene in the drama and how did you tackle it as an actor? 

J: I think the scene where I meet up with Mo-yeon for the first time. This was hard, cuz you know, anyone could panic when acting in front of [Song Hye-kyo]. I tackled it thinking she's just a person. Just an ordinary woman. But I still think I did it bad. I see the frustration in my eyes...

HC: What do you think about the immense popularity of the show? Did you envision that it would do so well and that you would get to be a part of something so huge?

J: I did envision that "Descendants of the Sun" would do so well, due to all the amazing actors, top writers and the superb directors. It was like the all-star team, minus myself. Throughout the production I was nervous, didn't want to be the downside of "Descendants of the Sun".

HC: A lot of fans are really enjoying your presence in "Descendants of the Sun". Have you been experiencing the effect of that popularity in terms of your daily life? Do a lot of people recognize you in public. Have you received more fan mail?

J: I think so. But not to the point where I feel it's hard to stroll around in public. Lots of messages on social media. Never received this much in my life haha.

HC: Has "Descendants of the Sun" opened up more opportunities for you?

J: Sort of. Quite a few castings for TV shows and other films. But I don't want to have a dash at all the opportunities I am receiving. I am very grateful for giving me those opportunities. But I think I want to do fewer and better, when I am more ready as an actor. I may receive less jobs later or none, but I still don't want to be an obstacle to one's project.

 

Spoiler

HC: What sort of roles would you like to take on in the future? Are there any Korean actors with whom you would like to work when you do take on those roles?

J: Any role that has massive impact on the cinematography. Even if it's got a few scenes. I'd love to work with any of the great Korean actors. It'd be an honour to work with anyone. 

HC: Can you give us a sneak peek into your plans for the year?

J: Like mentioned, I'd love to do anything that could be an outlet of my creative thoughts. All the arts in general.

Fan Questions:

Heather Folsom, USA: What was it like to work alongside Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Jin Goo, andKim Ji-won-I any advice that was given or behind the scenes stories?

J: Was one hell of an experience. I don't usually get nervous on stage or in front of a camera, but alongside those actors, I was nervous at times.

The advice I've given myself was to think that each and every one of those actors is just a person, a man, an ordinary woman. But still, it was uneasy and I was shaky when acting. Probably because I'm aware that they know full well when I'm not acting comfortably. You know, they can see these things through.

Anne, Newfoundland, Canada: Was your role in the "Descendants of the Sun" what you expected it to be?  

J: Yes, the role was somewhat what I expected it to be. But the job was more like re-creating that persona with the directors and the writers based on what's written on the script. It was kind of hard to keep that balance between Korean and non-Korean. Daniel's half Korean who knows Korean language and its culture but not too Asian at the same time. Daniel would love kimchi but prefer a pint of beer at a pub over soju. You know, it was hard to keep that balance. The role was sort of me in real life but still you got to re-create that persona.

HC: Do you have a message for your international fans?

J: Thank you so much, all of you, for recognizing me. Life's long, night is young. Stay in touch y'all! 

Love, 

Jasper Tae-Kwan Cho

Spoiler

Thank you so much, Jasper, for taking the time to talk with HanCinema and your international fans. And thank you to R's Company for helping to make this interview happen! Thank you to the HanCinema team for all of your help! It is a pleasure to be able to speak with talented people, and Jasper, you are one talented man! We know we will see great things from you in the future.

HanCinema and Jasper Cho fans, what did you think of the interview? Leave us a comment below!

Please enter here to win a signed autograph from Jasper Cho who played Dr. Daniel Spencer in "Descendants of the Sun"!

Interviewed and Written by: Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'

http://www.hancinema.net/hancinema-s-exclusive-interview-jasper-cho--signed-photo-giveaway-93559.html

Hancinema

[Ahpheng]

@bebebisous33 no 1

 

[hazeljrr_c922]

I still think they shouldn't toy with a classic.  The sequels  of Dream High and Iris never lived up to their predecessor.   I love DotS to death, and want to keep it there at 16 eps.  for me to repeat and cherish.   BTS and epilogue this week are fine,  it is technically  still part of the 16, including those that did not make it to the final cut.

[SkyKid]

12 minutes ago, hazeljrr_c922 said:

I still think they shouldn't toy with a classic.  The sequels  of Dream High and Iris never lived up to their predecessor.   I love DotS to death, and want to keep it there at 16 eps.  for me to repeat and cherish.   BTS and epilogue this week are fine,  it is technically  still part of the 16, including those that did not make it to the final cut.

 

yeah, no season 2 with different cast please, that sure will ruin DOTS, if they're able to have same cast for season 2, then I will watch it anyway even if there is nothing like blockbuster, but that is impossible, so ... no season 2 please  

 

or they can have SongSong and GooWon as 2 main OTP again for the original script about Doctor Without Border, that might turn out to be another hit too, SJK as a doctor 

[Chellsee]

Miss Big Boss terribly... 

[Chellsee]

5 Stages of Grieving Over the End of “Descendants of the Sun”

 

(SPOILERS AHEAD)

Well, Soompiers, the inevitable time we have all been dreading is here:“Descendants of the Sun” has finished its run.

shineetho

NO, ACTUALLY, I DO NOT THINK IT IS REALLY NICE. Because even a really nice ending still means that the drama is OVER.

seouhls

OF COURSE IT’S NOT WORKING. CUE UGLY SOBBING

mukjjippa

Soompiers, it’s okay to feel upset. Perhaps you, like me, are mourning the end of this incredible drama (though at least we get a few more special episodes). This is a safe space; we can all share our feelings here.

shineetho

As you bemoan the end of “Descendants of the Sun,” you may experience these five stages of grief:

Stage 1: Denial

Whenever someone mentions words like “finale” or “last episode,” you don’t even want to hear it:

yoo-sijin

Because obviously, it can’t be true that it’s over.

lavenderbyun

Or maybe you try to deny your attachment to this drama:

kdramadose

…Yeah right. As if we can believe that.

lavenderbyun

Stage 2: Anger

When the denial begins to boil into anger, you can try to contain your wrath…

descendants-of-the-sun

Or you can just let it all out:

shineemoon

You might feel easily irritable, especially when others can’t understand what you’re going through.

kimbobby

Perhaps you take your anger out on inanimate objects.

semperji

Or maybe you take it out on others, even your loved ones:

yoo-sijin

Stage 3: Bargaining

As you try to deal with your emotions, you can’t help but wonder: What would it take to convince the producers to extend the show?

Maybe a collective aegyo attack would get us more episodes??

lionbaek

Pretty please? Come on, who can resist these faces?!

secondleadclub

Or maybe if the entire fan base comes together and petitions for more episodes, that’ll get us somewhere?

chocobeam

I’m not sure if even the “Descendants of the Sun” fanbase can out-fan these Red Velvet fanboys, though…

Stage 4: Depression

When you realize the implausibility of all your dreams and schemes to extend the series, you may feel overcome by a deep and terrible sadness…

p-b-e

…at which point you retreat from the world and huddle into a ball and suffer through ALL OF THE SAD FEELINGS:

shineemoon

But seriously. EVERYTHING HURTS AND NOTHING IS BEAUTIFUL.

descendants-of-the-sun

(Just kidding. Kim Ji Won [and everyone in this cast] is obviously beautiful.)

Stage 5: Acceptance

Maybe you will never reach this stage because you can never fully accept the end of this drama. Which maybe means you are back at Stage 1. And…maybe this is how I currently feel. GAH.

leeonew

If you do ever reach this stage, though, there’s not much you can do except cry in the arms of someone who understands your loss.

yuhwan

Your friends will ask if you’re really okay, and your answer may or may not be convincing…

jonghyunar

Are you really, though? I KNOW I’M NOT.

Coping Strategies

No matter which stage you may be in, you can try a variety of coping strategies. Maybe you take the chocolate route:

semperji

Perhaps you prefer something a bit more potent:

irrational-obsessions-gottcha78

Maybe you binge-watch anything and everything that the “Descendants of the Sun” cast has ever been in, because you’re willing to watch anything that keeps putting Song Joong Ki’s face in your eyes (and/or Song Hye Kyo/Jin Goo/Kim Ji Won/etc.).

yoo-sijin

Or maybe you’d rather just cover your eyes and try to forget everything…

sujeyherondale

BUT HOW COULD WE FORGET THE SONG-SONG COUPLE?!?!

inpinitaize

OR THE GOO-WON COUPLE?!?!

semperji

OR ONE OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BROMANCES IN THE HISTORY OF K-DRAMA?!?!

laara41

Sigh. Here’s hoping we may return to the sandy shores of Uruk aboard that amazing Song-Song ship again someday.

daewolpeu

Are you sad that “Descendants of the Sun” is over? 

~~~~~~

This article made me feel so sad... Missing the whole cast.. the drama itself... 

[lovemetruly]

I know this might've been discussed (or not) so I'm begging anyone to share the pages where you guys talked about if MY and SJ already did "it". Because after all their pervy talks, seems like they went "that" far already. Lol 

 

PLEASE HELP. i want to read your thoughts and opinions. 

[melleri]

8 minutes ago, lovemetruly said:

I know this might've been discussed (or not) so I'm begging anyone to share the pages where you guys talked about if MY and SJ already did "it". Because after all their pervy talks, seems like they went "that" far already. Lol 

 

PLEASE HELP. i want to read your thoughts and opinions. 

lol I don't think they did! We did discuss it a bit when she mentioned "other stuff" they did, but I doubt it.

Well, I think they did on the Urk vacation.  She was much less reluctant to share a bed with him in the tent...and he had to feel what it was like to "wait" for her.  So after that and the promise to be together in this life and the next I feel  he finally got to cross that line in a small? hotel bed.     Or on the beach...well who knows... ? 

[Chellsee]

1 hour ago, melissala said:

lol I don't think they did! We did discuss it a bit when she mentioned "other stuff" they did, but I doubt it.

Well, I think they did on the Urk vacation.  She was much less reluctant to share a bed with him in the tent...and he had to feel what it was like to "wait" for her.  So after that and the promise to be together in this life and the next I feel  he finally got to cross that line in a small? hotel bed.     Or on the beach...well who knows... ? 

 

OMG! I never think that deep @melissala.

But i have to agree with you, somehow "MAYBE" the small bed made a big part in their first night together. 

ME: Painfully hurting! JONGMAL!!!   

[lovemetruly]

@melissala thank youuu. I think that too. She was referring to those life threatening and serious matters they had. But that part when she said "erotic" while he placed the chocolate inside the cup of hot milk then he became flustered and told her that it's still too early for that while she was smirking at him. I can't help but think that maybe they became naughty at some point. But not going all the way Lol judging how captain is always at her place and he kept on hinting to see her in a tub.  

 

please forgive me if i I am suddenly bringing this up again. I just want your opinions. Lol

[WeunXK]

 

http://www.dispatch.co.kr/501959

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c as labeled

[Ahpheng]

@bebebisous33 no 2

[missandrea]

 

New today. 

Here's little something to ease out our DOTS post withdrawal symptoms! Well, at least until Wednesday again for their 3part special episodes!

 

 

[CatWhiskers]

@lovemetruly Omo....I never thought of that. Oh gosh...u had me blushing like crazy when u mention that scene. I think he asked smtg like, "Just put it in?" --> referring to the chocolate and KMY said it's erotic? And YSJ was like flustered and embarassed? Omo...is anyone thinking what I am thinking? Oh gosh. ..sorry. me and my pervy mind. Lol. 

Can't really tell if they did went that far. Dots is good at subtle hints. We just have to sort of guess in between. Did they sort of promise to get marry in the last kiss scene? Only date in next life right? 

[IrisFM]

ALPHA Team. Without them DOTS won't be the same. They walk like runway models. They take their work very seriously. They know the meaning of brotherly love. But once in awhile, they let their guard down and just be boys who want to have some fun.

Spoiler

cr heartou.tumblr.com

[lovemetruly]

@CatWhiskers or maybe I'm just being too pervy. Lol maybe she's justing teasing and he's saying that it's too early for talking about that because they didn't do it yet. Waaaaah I don't know anymore. Just leave it in our interpretation right? But then during the tent scene he was at it again, hinting about sleeping together. Lol 

 

the shipwreck scene is also also a dead giveaway of their plans of marriage and being still together in their next lives. If that's not eternal love, then i dunno what it is.